River Rafting - Ladakh

Description

The Indus River, locally known as the Singhe Khababs (out of Lion’s mouth), flows across the north west to the south east, passing through Ladakh and flows into Pakistan where it joined Shayok and Suru to become major historical Indus River.

The white water Indus has rapids generally of I and II grades and at some places, has grade III to even V rapids. The popular rafting points are from Phey to Nimo and also from Upshi to Kharu or from Upshi to Nimo. The other points run from Phey to Saspol or Phey to the Indus - Zanskar confluence at Nimo and from Nimo to the historical monastic enclave of Alchi, about 75 Kms west of Leh.

Experienced rafters may also want to try the more challenging route between Alchi and Khaltsey, which takes in the kilometre long series of rapids at Nurla. Easier runs include the run between Hemis (40km south of Leh) situated along a road crossing the Indus and Choglamsar, which is a three-hour trip that goes through quiet, calm waters, and passes through the riverside villages of Stakna, Shey and Thiksey (25km south-east of Leh), before ending at Choglamsar, just short of Leh city.

Phey - Nimo route
This route consist mostly of Grade II or III easy rapids is that it passes through astoundingly beautiful mountains, many of them with tiny hamlets and imposing old monasteries nestling among the valleys. Starting from Phey Village, about 12 Kms from Leh and ends Indus-Zanskar confluence at Nimo, about 36 kms from Leh.

Upshi - Kharu route
This route is somewhat long as compare to the Phey-Nimo, but not too difficult. The stretch between Upshi and Kharu consists of I and II rapids, although there are some grade III rapids too. The starting point is at Upshi, about 90 Kms South east of Leh, along the road which leads south to Manali. From Upshi, the river makes its way westwards to Kharu, along the road to Leh.

Phey - Saspol
This rafting trip starts from Phey, about 8 kms south of Leh and its end at Saspol, on Leh-Srinagar Highway, near Alchi. This route is short and relaxed enough to enjoy the breathtaking view of landscapes and beauty of tiny hamlets on the both side of Indus.

Kharu - Spituk
It starts from Kharo, about 45 Kms South-East of Leh and ends at Spituk, just short of Leh. This route is specially recommended for the beginners and amateurs.

Saspol – Khaltsey
If you are experienced rafters, you may try the more challenging route between Saspol and Khaltsey, which has kilometre long series of rapids at Nurla. The rafting will finish at Khaltsey 90 Kilometres from Leh.

How to reach

Ladakh is accessible by roadways only during the summer season as the NH 1 and Zoji La remains closed during the winter due to heavy snowfall. Buses and taxis are easily available from Kargil, and Srinagar to reach Ladakh. The road trips to Ladakh from Delhi, Chandigarh and Manali are quite a famous adventure activity.

BY RAILWAYS

Nearest railway station to Ladakh will be in Jammu, which is well connected with all the prominent metropolitan cities of India. From the Jammu railway station, there are no direct buses to Leh. State Tourism Buses from Jammu are available till Srinagar. Thereafter take J & K State Road Transport Corporation (J&K SRTC) deluxe or ordinary bus from Srinagar to Leh. Avoid taking direct buses to Leh from Srinagar, take a halt at the Kargil.

BY AIRWAYS

Ladakh has its own airport in Leh - Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, which is also one of the highest commercial airports in the world at 3,256 m (10,682 ft) above mean sea level. From the airport, tourists can easily get a car to reach any destination in Ladakh or their accommodation.